First Responder Ideas?

[WSVFD_TRAINING]

My department currently runs only fire related calls. We run MVA's to do scene stabilization and traffic control. We do not run EMS at this time that is handled by a seperate Rescue Squad. The chief has approached me to develop a plan for EMS. What he wants to start with is the ability to begin patient care at MVA's before the Ambulance crew gets on scene.

What I need help with is any ideas on what level to prepare for. The only EMS trained members in the department are two EMT-B's. Some members have said they would be willing to take EMS training and others have said they wouldn't be willing to participate.

Any ideas on response levels would be greatly appreciated.

Chris Bruce EMT-B
Training Officer
W.S.V.F.D

[N2DFire]

Hey Chris,

Sounds like your Chief is taking a step in the right direction (esp. if you have a long response time/wait for EMS to get on scene).

My fist big suggestion (and one which I'm sure you already know, but it bears repeating) is don't force, mandate, or otherwise require members to become certified. Just like Fighting Fire isn't for everyone - neither is EMS.

Next - I would encourage you to get EMT - Basic certification (instead of EMT-First Responder) if at all possible. Again I can understand and relate all to well to the burden that class time will put on your people (40 Hours FR vs. 110 Hours EMT), but if you're department is planning on taking it's service levels further (automatic dual dispatch to medical calls, etc) then this will be a great step. Even of you don't plan on this, it's still great knowledge & skills to have. Never know when you might have to care for one of your own ona fire ground till EMS arrives.

I would highly encourage you to contact the Virginia Office of EMS for recomendations from them. http://www.vdh.state.va.us/oems

If you have specific questions or would like to discuss this in greater detail, please feel free to e-mail me at n2dfire@hotmail.com

Take Care - Stay Safe
Stephen
FF/Paramedic

[ALSfirefighter]

Chris,

I'm also with Stephan. What I think you'll end up finding is that this will soon begin to expand from just the MVA's to start picking up more serious calls when the ambulance is going to be delayed. What I think you'll also find, which happened with me (yes I was a "I'm not a band-aid pusher"), is that some of the resistant gang will see what is involved and want to be able to get some hands-on and not stand around. EMS is the one true service that someone always needs you, no matter what the call. And in the end your dept. could end up coming out smelling like roses. Finally, also like Stephan said I wouldn't require anyone to be EMS. However, I would go for a EMT-B certification, and if there are some people that want to baby step and be a CFR I wouldn't stop that either. Just make sure you don't short cut yourself on the equipment, get a defib!!

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The above is my opinion only and doesn't reflect that of any dept/agency I work for, deal with, or am a member of. http://www.firehouse.com/forums/biggrin.gif

[gah74]

EMT-B is definitely the place to start. At this level, your crews can effectively package PT's, start an assessment, and manage ABC's. To do anything less than this would probably be a waste of resources. ...additionally, this level of training does not require a major ongoing expense for equipment. The defibrillators are a must of course (come on, flight attendants can use these things), oxygen, BVM's, and some other basic things.

When you start getting into advanced skills and ACLS med's, the expense really starts to jump. I would start w/ EMTB, gauge its success and work from there.

[KGM]

Our volunteer department didn't want to get into EMS in the beginning (11 years ago). I went ahead and got my EMT-B just to have in case something happened to any of our firefighters. Everybody had to have CPR to be firefighters. I got a first responder class together and offered it to everyone. Everyone took the course.

Five years ago we decided it was taking the med unit too long to respond to our district so we started a first responder unit. Now we can have the patient assessed and packaged ready to go when the Ambulance gets there. After running a code last year we got donated funds to purchase a Defibrillator. We feel our First responder unit has been a real asset to our community.

I have just become an EMT Intermediate. One other member has taken the class for EMT-B, everyone else has remained at the EMT-FR (Certified through the State)and it works out fine.

As long as you are not a transport service I feel EMT-FR is all that is necessary, but of course any knowledge above that is great. Just be sure to get a medical director and train, train, train!